Velma Bates Obituary
The world bids farewell to Velma Bates (Lawrenceburg, Tennessee), departing on November 16, 2025 at the age of 100. Velma leaves behind memories cherished by the community. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Velma Bates to show support.
Though Velma may no longer walk beside us, her memory will forever be enshrined in the fabric of the lives of those Velma touched, a beacon of light guiding us through the darkness. In her absence, her spirit lives on — a gentle whisper in the breeze, a ray of sunlight on a cloudy day, a reminder that love knows no boundaries.
She was predeceased by: her parents, Gillie Tidwell and Lou Ella Barnes Tidwell. She is survived by: her husband James Gerald Bates; her daughters, Carol Edmondson of Ethridge, TN and Barbara Galloway (Sam) of Cookeville, TN.; and her daughter-in-law Debbie Kent Bates of Cookeville, TN. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation was held on Wednesday, November 19th 2025 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Neal Funeral Home (231 N Military Ave, Lawrenceburg, TN 38464). A funeral service was held on Thursday, November 20th 2025 at 11:00 AM at the same location.
The family suggests memorials be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
